No Culture

Mother Mother's song "No Culture" delves into the themes of cultural appropriation and identity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who admits to having no culture of their own, likening themselves to a vulture and a piranha—creatures that feed off others. This metaphorical language suggests a predatory nature, circling above and consuming elements of other cultures without any sense of ownership or respect. The repetition of the phrase "I got no culture" underscores a sense of emptiness and lack of identity, highlighting the character's reliance on appropriating from others to fill this void.

The song also explores the consequences of this cultural theft. The character describes themselves as a "kid in a candy store," taking what they want without permission, and a "bull in a china shop," causing destruction without regard for the value of what they are disrupting. These metaphors emphasize the careless and often damaging nature of cultural appropriation. The line "knocking off a knock-off" further critiques the superficial and inauthentic nature of such actions, suggesting that what is taken is often a diluted or misrepresented version of the original culture.

Additionally, the song touches on the theme of deception and the ease with which the character can manipulate others. Phrases like "a little wool over the eyes" and "everyone believes me when I say it's mine" point to the societal complicity in allowing cultural appropriation to go unchecked. The repeated plea to "let sleeping dogs lie" suggests a desire to avoid confrontation and maintain the status quo, even when it is built on falsehoods. Through its biting lyrics and evocative imagery, "No Culture" serves as a powerful critique of the ways in which cultural appropriation erodes the authenticity and value of diverse cultural expressions.